Martin Clunes switches on Christmas lights, Bradpole

Doc Martin star and west Dorset resident Martin Clunes helped light up 2 White Close in Bradpole last night in a ceremony watched by a crowd of onlookers.

The owners of the bungalow, Monica and Rob Teague, have put on the illuminating display for many years to raise money for charity.

Money raised will go to Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, of which Mr Clunes is a patron.

Lights were lit at 6pm, but before that Mrs Teague and Mr Clunes addressed the crowd.

In his speech, Mr Clunes highlighted that it was the last year that the Teagues were putting on a big display - although they'll still put up lights, but on a smaller scale.

In doing so, the Men Behaving Badly star took a video of all the onlookers to mark the occasion.

“Thank you all for coming down to do what we can for charity. You never want to hear the words children and hospital in the same sentence, but Julia’s House is a very special place. They are struggling like all charities, and donations are their lifeblood,” Mr Clunes said.

“I’d like to wish you all a very happy Christmas,” he added.

The lights were then switched on before the crowd and Mr Clunes called out for Santa to appear - however the Grinch stepped out to surprise the children.

Father Christmas then came out pointing at the Grinch and handed out sweets to the onlookers.

Mr Clunes chatted to the crowd and posed for selfies with families.

Speaking to the News about the event, whilst polishing off a homemade sausage roll, Mr Clunes said: “It’s really sweet, it’s a lovely thing. My friend Phil Frampton introduced me to Monica and Rob - and they raise an absolute fortune for Dorset’s favourite charity, which is fantastic.”

Mr Clunes said that he has known the couple for the last five years, and would continue to support them in the future.

Mrs Teague said: “It’s the last year of the big light switch on, we’ll still do the lights and probably still for Julia’s House.”

She went on to say that putting up the display is very time consuming, and now unfortunately Mrs Teague is suffering from some health problems meaning the display has become harder to put up.

Speaking about his involvement for a light switch on the future, Mr Clunes joked: “We’ll see won’t we - I am a patron of Julia’s House and I jump when they say jump so I’m sure if they’ll continue their association I’ll push my mug in there."

Every penny raised goes to the hospice, and local businesses have been sponsoring the homeowners to cover the energy cost, including Bridport Building Supply.

Last year’s event raised around £1,100 for Julia’s House from the 300 that attended.

Father Christmas will also be making a guest appearance on, December 15, 16, 22 and 23, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Children can visit Santa Claus in his grotto and receive a wrapped present all free of charge, although a donation to the charity would be appreciated.

The lights will be switched on every night from December 1 to January 6, from 4.30pm to 10pm.